JP6827443B2 - Dust separator and vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a type of dust separator that can be used in a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner provided with such a dust separator.

The present invention is not limited to dust separators for specific types of vacuum cleaners. For example, the present invention includes a dust separator for an upright vacuum cleaner and a dust separator for a cylinder vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum cleaner.

Some conventional dust separators have a lid that can be opened to empty the dust collection chamber of the dust separator. The position of the lid can be controlled by a latch mechanism. Other known dust separators are arranged to allow different parts of the dust separator to move relative to each other, eg, to perform a shroud wiping operation. The position of these components can be controlled by a latch mechanism. If the dust separator attempts to have both an open lid and parts that can move relative to each other, the presence of two separate latching mechanisms increases the complexity of the dust separator (and thus manufacturing). (Increases cost and / or assembly time), making the use of the separator more complicated or less intuitive to the user.

An object of the present invention is to reduce or eliminate at least one of the above drawbacks and / or to provide an improved or alternative dust separator or vacuum cleaner.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a dust separator for a vacuum cleaner is provided, which is the first separation stage and stores the dust removed by the first separation stage. A first separation stage having a first dust collection chamber for collecting dust, and a second separation stage located on the downstream side of the first separation stage, for storing dust removed by the second separation stage. A lid that is movable between a closed position and an open position and has a second separation stage having two dust collection chambers, and selectively closes and releases the discharge opening formed in the first dust collection chamber. The first and second dust collection chambers are movable relative to each other between the first and second positions, and the latch mechanism comprises a latch mechanism that can be moved between the fixed configuration and the release configuration. When the latch mechanism is in a fixed configuration, the latch mechanism is configured to fix the first and second dust collection chambers in the first position and to fix the lid in the closed position. When the latch mechanism is in the open configuration, the first and second dust collection chambers can be moved toward the second position, and the lid can be moved toward the open configuration. It is configured to do so.

By configuring the latch mechanism to secure and release both the dust collection chamber and the lid, two latch mechanisms (one to secure and release the dust collection chamber and the other to secure and release the lid). And avoid the need for (to release). This, in turn, can make it easier to use the separation stage, as the user only needs to operate a single catch, and / or reduce the number of components of the dust separator, and by twisting. , Make manufacturing easier or cheaper.

At least a part of the latch mechanism can be provided on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber.

The space that a dust collector can occupy with a vacuum cleaner is often limited (eg, thereby the vacuum cleaner as a whole is small enough and / or aesthetically balanced) and is one of the latching mechanisms. By locating the portion on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber, the influence of the latch mechanism on the dimensions and position of other components can be reduced. In contrast, in dust separators whose overall diameter is limited for miniaturization or for aesthetic reasons, a latch mechanism is provided on the wall of the first dust collection chamber that defines the outer circumference of the dust collector. 1 The relevant part of the dust collection chamber needs to be moved radially inward to compensate. Thereby, in turn, the capacity of the first dust collection chamber can be reduced.

Alternatively, or in addition, by providing at least a portion of the latch mechanism on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber, the total number of components of the dust separator can be reduced compared to an arrangement in which the latch mechanism is provided in a dedicated latch support structure. (By extension, manufacturing cost and / or assembly time can be reduced).

At least a part of the latch mechanism may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall.

As a result, for example, as compared with the arrangement in which a part of the latch mechanism is provided on the inner surface of the second dust collection chamber, the dust contained in the second dust collection chamber is clogged with the latch mechanism or interferes with the latch mechanism. Can be avoided.

At least a portion of the latch mechanism may have a moving portion of the latch mechanism.

The separator may further comprise a shield configured to cover at least some or almost all of the latch mechanism.

Almost all of the latch mechanisms can be provided on the outer surface.

Selectively
The first separation stage comprises an air outlet with a breathable screen.
The separator is further provided with a wiping member for cleaning the screen and
The screen is movable with respect to the second collection chamber with the first dust collection chamber, and the wiping member is movable with respect to the first dust collection chamber with the second dust collection chamber, thereby the first. And by moving the second dust collection chamber relative to each other, the wiping member is moved on the screen.

By making the wiping member movable on the screen, dust such as pills and hair that wraps around or adheres to the screen can be removed from the screen. Otherwise, the buildup of dust on the screen will clog the screen and thus adversely affect the performance of the separator.

By wiping the screen by moving the first and second dust collection chambers, the need for separate actions performed by the user can be avoided. For example, emptying the first and second dust collection chambers may involve moving these dust collection chambers to a second position. Therefore, the screen is automatically wiped while emptying rather than requiring a separate action to be performed by the user.

The wiping member can be, for example, a brush or an elastic scraper.

The screen may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis defined by the separation steps.

The dust separator may further comprise an urging member configured to deflect the first and second dust collection chambers towards the second position.

This avoids the need for the user to apply the force required to move the dust collection chamber to the second position. For example, if the latch mechanism is configured to lock the dust collection chamber in the first position, the dust separator moves the dust collection chamber to the second position by simply releasing the latch mechanism ( Immediately, the dust collection chamber can be configured to move to a second position under the action of the urging member).

The entire second separation stage may be movable with respect to the first dust collection chamber between the first and second positions.

This can avoid the need to move the second dust collection chamber relative to other parts of the second separation stage, which in turn can simplify the configuration of the separator.

As an alternative, the second dust collection chamber may be movable between the first and second positions with respect to both the first dust collection chamber and one or more other parts of the second dust collection chamber. As another alternative, both the first and second dust collection chambers can move relative to another part of the second separation stage.

The side wall of the second dust collection chamber may provide a guiding function, which is configured to guide the movement of the first dust collecting chamber relative to the second dust collecting chamber between the first and second positions. There is.

The side wall that provides the guidance function may or may not be the same side wall as the outer surface on which at least a portion of the latch mechanism is provided. The guidance function may be provided on the outer surface.

The first dust collection chamber may define a storage volume for accommodating the dust separated by the first separation stage, and the second dust collection chamber may be located outside the storage volume.

As a result, at least a part of the latch mechanism can be separated from the dust contained in the first dust collecting chamber. In contrast, if the second dust collection chamber is located inside the storage volume, dust collected within the storage volume can enter the latch mechanism and clog the latch mechanism.

Alternatively or additionally, this can maximize the storage capacity of the first dust collection chamber.

The second dust collection chamber may be partially or completely surrounded by the first dust collection chamber, even though the second dust collection chamber is located outside the storage volume.

The latch mechanism may include a latch mechanism that is rotatable about a rotation axis, thereby releasing the latch mechanism.

By using a rotatable latch member (for example, in a latch mechanism that utilizes a bendable latch member, the latch member may become tired and snap off, as compared to a latch mechanism). A latch mechanism that requires an advantageously low force to release and / or an advantageous long-lasting latch mechanism may be provided.

The axis of rotation may be substantially orthogonal to the outer surface.

The latch member may be rotatably mounted on the outer surface.

The latch member can be a relatively bulky component of the latch mechanism, and therefore, by providing this component on the side wall, the influence of the latch mechanism on the dimensions and position of other components is reduced to a particularly advantageous range. obtain.

The rotatability of the latch member can make it particularly prone to clogging with dust, and thus this component is provided on the outer surface (and thus separated from the dust in the second dust collection chamber by a side wall). That can be particularly beneficial.

The dust separator may have a mandrel that projects from the outer surface along the axis of rotation and is rotatably attached within the opening of the latch member. As an alternative, the latch member may have a mandrel that projects along the axis of rotation and is rotatably received within the outer surface.

The latch member has a latch surface and a receiving surface that receives an input for rotating the latch member and thereby releases the latch mechanism, and the distance between the receiving surface and the rotating shaft is the latch surface. Greater than the distance between and the axis of rotation.

This allows the latch mechanism to provide a "mechanical advantage", where the user provides with a latch member if a predetermined force is required to move the latch surface and thereby release the latch mechanism. Due to the leveraged action, only a small force needs to be applied to the receiving surface.

The distance between the receiving surface and the rotating shaft can be at least 1.2 times the distance between the latching surface and the rotating shaft. For example, the distance between the receiving surface and the rotating shaft can be at least 1.4 times the distance between the latching surface and the rotating shaft.

The latch mechanism may include an actuating rod defining a longitudinal axis, which is reciprocating with respect to the sidewall along its longitudinal axis and the latch member so as to release the latch mechanism. It is configured to rotate.

The actuating rod may allow linear movement of the components (eg, rotating the latch member and thereby pressing a button used to release the latch mechanism). This can be a mechanism that is particularly intuitive to the user and / or can allow the latch mechanism to be advantageously small.

The actuating rod can be a push rod, which is configured to transmit axial compression and thereby rotate the latch member. Alternatively, the actuating rod can be a pull rod, which is configured to transmit axial tension, thereby rotating the latch member.

The actuating rod may be provided on the outer surface so as to be reciprocally movable.

The actuating rod and the means for supporting the actuating rod can be a relatively bulky component of the latch mechanism, and thus by providing this portion on the side wall, the effect of this portion on the dimensions and position of other components. Can be reduced to a particularly advantageous range.

The reciprocating reciprocation of the actuating rod can make it particularly prone to clogging with dust, so that this component is provided on the outer surface (and thus separated from the dust in the second dust collection chamber by the side wall). , Can be particularly beneficial.

Selectively
The dust separator has a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting the dust separator on the vacuum cleaner.
The mounting mechanism has an operating member that is configured to be operated by the user and thereby release the mounting mechanism.
The latch mechanism is connected to the operating member, whereby the latch mechanism can be released by manipulating the operating member.

This can improve the speed and simplicity at which various actions can be performed. For example, if the latch mechanism secures the lid, the separator will simply act first if the user wants to empty the dust separator with the dust separator attached to the vacuum cleaner. The member may be manipulated to remove the dust separator from the vacuum cleaner, and then the operating member may be manipulated to release the lid and empty the first dust collection chamber.

Alternatively or further, by connecting the latch mechanism to the operating member, the need to provide a separate operating member (which may be a relatively bulky component) in the latch mechanism can be eliminated. This reduces the overall dimensions of the machine and / or reduces the number of components in the separator, which in turn reduces the manufacturing cost of the machine.

Preferably, the mounting mechanism and the latching mechanism release the mounting mechanism by manipulating the operating member when the dust separator is mounted on the vacuum cleaner, and the dust separator separates from the vacuum cleaner. It is configured to release the latch mechanism by manipulating the operating member while it is in operation. This makes it possible to avoid the risk of the latch member being abruptly released when the operating member is being operated for the purpose of removing the dust separator from the vacuum cleaner.

The first separation stage may be a cyclone type separation stage.

Selectively
The first separation stage includes a cyclone chamber located inside the first dust collection chamber and
The cyclone chamber defines a longitudinal axis and a slot extending in the circumferential direction, which forms a dust outlet through which dust in the cyclone chamber can enter the first dust collection chamber.

The second separation stage may be a cyclone type separation stage.

The second separation stage preferably comprises two or more cyclone chambers arranged in parallel.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner provided with any of the dust separators described above.

This may provide a vacuum cleaner that offers one or more of the advantages described above.

According to one arrangement useful for understanding the present invention, a dust separator for a vacuum cleaner is provided, which is the first separation stage and is removed by the first separation stage. A first separation stage having a first dust collection chamber for storing the collected dust and a second separation stage located on the downstream side of the first separation stage, and dust removed by the second separation stage is removed. A second separation stage and a second dust collection chamber having a second dust collection chamber for storage, the first and second dust collection chambers being movable relative to each other between the first and second positions. A guidance function provided on the side wall of the above, which is configured to guide the first and second dust collection chambers to move relative to each other between the first and second positions. Be prepared.

The space that a dust collector can occupy with a vacuum cleaner is often limited (eg, it makes the vacuum cleaner small enough and / or aesthetically balanced as a whole) and provides guidance. 2 By positioning it on the side wall of the dust collection chamber, the influence of the guide function on the dimensions and positions of other components can be reduced. In contrast, in dust separators whose overall diameter is limited for miniaturization or for aesthetic reasons, a guide function is provided on the wall of the first dust collection chamber that defines the outer circumference of the dust collector. 1 The relevant part of the dust collection chamber needs to be moved radially inward to compensate. Thereby, in turn, the capacity of the first dust collection chamber can be reduced.

Alternatively, or in addition, the guidance function may be provided on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber to reduce the total number of components of the dust separator compared to the arrangement in which the guidance function is provided in a dedicated latch support structure (and thus manufacturing). Cost and / or assembly time can be reduced).

Two guidance functions may be provided on one or more side walls of the second dust collection chamber.

By providing two guidance functions instead of one, the stability of guiding the movement of the dust collection chamber can be improved as compared to an arrangement in which a single guidance function provides guidance support in a single location. By providing both guide functions on one or more side walls of the second dust collection chamber, the influence of these guide functions on the dimensions and positions of the other components of the separator can be further reduced, as described above.

The guidance function can be, for example, a rail or track, or a runner configured to pass along the rail or track.

The above two guidance functions may be provided on different side walls of the second dust collection chamber.

Thereby, the two guide functions can be separated, and thus, in turn, the guide supports provided by the guide functions can be separated, thereby further increasing the stability of movement of the dust collection chamber.

As an alternative, the two guidance functions can be provided on the same side wall of the dust collection chamber. Nevertheless, in this case, the guidance function may be located sufficiently spaced apart in the sidewalls to provide sufficient stability.

The two guidance functions may be located on opposite sides of the second dust collection chamber.

By thus separating the guidance functions, the stability of guiding the movement of the dust collection chamber can be further increased by using these guidance functions.

As an example, if the two guide functions are provided on different side walls, the second dust collection chamber can be approximately cubic and the guide function can be provided on the opposite side wall. As another example, if two guide functions are provided on the same side wall, the dust collection chamber may have a single, nearly cylindrical side wall, the guide function being approximately radially opposite around the side wall. Can be provided at the point of.

The first separation stage may define the longitudinal axis and the two guide functions may be located substantially opposite to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The guidance function may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall.

This can reduce the possibility that the dust contained in the second dust collection chamber interferes with the function of the guide function (for example, the guide function in the form of a concave track is clogged).

The guidance function may contact the first dust collection chamber.

This can simplify the design of the dust separator and / or reduce the number of components of the dust separator compared to an arrangement in which the guide member contacts a separate component provided in the first dust collection chamber. It can be reduced (which in turn can reduce assembly time or manufacturing costs).

The first dust collection chamber defines at least two complementary functions, which cooperate with the guidance function to guide the movement of the first and second dust collection chambers.

The performance of the guidance can be improved by engaging the guidance function with a complementary function provided by the first dust collection chamber. For example, this results in strength or stability (eg, when the guiding function is a rail and is received within a complementary function in the form of a track or runner, rather than being supported on a plane). Can be increased, or frictional resistance can be reduced.

The first and second dust collection chambers may be removable from each other by moving these dust collection chambers from the first position across the second position.

This may allow the user to separate the dust collection chambers for cleaning or repair, or to replace one dust collection chamber without having to replace the other dust collection chamber. The fact that the dust collection chambers can be separated by moving these dust collection chambers beyond the second position can be a quick, simple, or intuitive process in favor of the user.

The dust separator further comprises a pair of stop surfaces, which abut when the first and second dust collection chambers are in the second position, whereby the dust collection chambers are in the first to second positions. It is configured to prevent movement beyond.

By preventing the dust collection chamber from moving beyond the second position, the dust collection chamber can be conveniently moved, and the user can move the dust collection chamber from the first position to the second position. Obtained, the dust collection chambers stop once these dust collection chambers reach the second position. In the absence of a stop surface, the user may have to determine when the dust collection chamber reaches a second position and stops at that point.

One of the stop surfaces may be provided on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber.

For the same reason as described above regarding the provision of the guidance function on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber, by providing one stop surface on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber, the dimensions and position of the other components of the separator The effect of the stop surface can be reduced and / or the total number of components of the dust separator can be reduced.

One stop surface may be selectively movable so as to disengage from engagement with the other stop surface, allowing the movement beyond the second position of the first and second dust collection chambers. ..

Thereby, the above-mentioned usability can be provided, and the first and second dust collection chambers are stopped when these dust collection chambers reach the second position, while they are nevertheless positively desired. The dust collection chambers can be moved beyond the second position (eg, thereby removing the dust collection chambers from each other, as described above).

Selective or preferred features of the various aspects of the invention and arrangements useful for understanding the invention are likewise to understand the (other) aspects of the invention or the invention, as appropriate. Can be applied to useful arrangements.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described herein by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view which shows the vacuum cleaner which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the dust separator of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, and is the perspective view which the dust collection chamber is in the 1st position. It is a rear perspective view which shows the dust separator of FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a dust separator of FIGS. 2 and 3. It is a breaking perspective view which shows the dust separator of FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a dust separator in which the dust collection chamber is in the second position. It is a further rear perspective view showing a dust separator in which the dust collection chamber is in the second position. It is a breaking perspective view which shows the dust separator in which the dust collection chamber is in the 2nd position. It is a rear perspective view which shows the housing of the 1st separation stage of a dust separator. It is a rear perspective view which shows the dust separator which removed the shield covering the latch mechanism. It is an enlarged view which shows a part of FIG. It is a rear perspective view which shows the dust separator which the 1st and 2nd assemblies are separated from each other. FIG. 5 is a side perspective view showing a dust separator in which the first and second assemblies are spaced apart from each other. It is a simplified cross-sectional view through the dust separator taken orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the 1st separation stage. It is a perspective view seen from the lower side of the 2nd assembly of a dust separator.

Throughout the description and drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding functions.

FIG. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum cleaner 2 according to this embodiment is a cylinder type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a rolling assembly 4 having an inlet 6 for connecting to a suction nozzle (not shown) via a wand and a hose (not shown), and a dust separator 8. During use, the user grips the wand, moves the suction nozzle onto the surface to be cleaned, and, if necessary, pulls the suction nozzle and the vacuum cleaner 2 behind the hose. The dust-containing air is drawn into the suction nozzle (not shown) by a suction generator in the form of a motor-driven fan (not shown) housed inside the rolling assembly 4. The air is sucked through the wand and hose and enters the vacuum cleaner inlet 6, where the air is immediately ducted to the dust separator 8. The dust separator 8 separates dust from the air, as described in detail below. After that, the clean air passes through the suction generator and is discharged from the vacuum cleaner 2.

The dust separator 8 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. Referring to these drawings together with FIG. 1, the dust separator 8 can be releasably attached to the rolling assembly 4 of the vacuum cleaner 2 by the attachment mechanism 10. The hooked protrusion (not shown) protrudes from the rolling assembly 4 and is received in the opening 11 in the operating member 12 provided in the dust separator 8. The protrusion (not shown) is located on the hook at the lower edge 11a of the opening 11 to prevent the dust separator 8 from being pulled away from the vacuum cleaner 2.

The operating member 12 is provided on the handle 14 of the dust separator so as to be reciprocally movable, and is urged upward. To release the mounting mechanism, the user operates the operating member by pushing the operating member downward against the handle 14 (and against the rest of the dust separator 8 and the vacuum cleaner 2). As a result, the lower edge portion 11a of the opening 11 is moved downward so as to be disengaged from the hooked protrusion (not shown), whereby the dust separator 8 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner 2.

The dust separator 8 has a separator inlet 16, a separator outlet 18, a first separation stage 20, and a second separation stage 22 on the downstream side of the first separation stage. The first separation stage 20 is a cyclone type separation stage which is the initial separation stage of the separator 8 (that is, the separation stage on the most upstream side in the dust separator 8) in this specific embodiment. The first separation stage 20 according to this embodiment includes a single cyclone chamber 24. The second separation stage 22 according to this embodiment is directly downstream of the first separation stage 20 and has a plurality of cyclone chambers 26 arranged in parallel.

The first separation stage 20 has a first dust collection chamber 28, and the second separation stage 22 has a second dust collection chamber 30. Each of the dust collection chambers is configured to store the dust removed by the associated cyclone chamber. The first dust collection chamber 28 takes the form of a substantially D-shaped box. The second dust collection chamber 30 is substantially cubic and is located outside the first dust collection chamber 28, as detailed below. The separator 8 has a lid 32 rotatably mounted on the wall 33 of the first dust collection chamber 28. The lid 32 may close the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30, as detailed below.

The cyclone chamber 24 of the first separation stage 20 is substantially cylindrical, defines a longitudinal axis 34 of the first separation stage, and is located inside the first dust collection chamber 28. The inlet 36, which is in the form of a path that spirals inward in the radial direction, is formed at the upper axial end of the cyclone chamber 24. The axial end wall 38 and the slot 40 extending in the circumferential direction are formed at the axial end on the opposite side of the cyclone chamber 24. The upper wall 42 of the inlet 36 supports a wiping member 44 in the form of a truncated cone-shaped elastic scraper. The first separation stage has an air outlet 46 in the form of a "shroud", which shroud has an air permeation screen (not shown) supported by a support beam 48. The screen (not shown) extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 34, in this case over a total of 360 ° around the axis.

Each of the cyclone chambers 26 of the second separation stage 22 has a substantially truncated cone shape having an opening top 50. Each of the cyclone chambers 26 has an inlet 52 communicating with the plenum chamber 54 and an outlet 56 in the form of a "vortex finder". The second stage also has a tilt plate 58 in an intermediate chamber 60 located approximately above the second dust collection chamber 30.

At the time of use, the contaminated air sucked into the inlet 6 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is duct-guided to the separator inlet 16 and then passes through the inlet 36 of the first separation stage and enters the cyclone chamber 24. The air then forms a cyclone inside the cyclone chamber 24. The relatively coarse dust is thrown out and immediately the dust comes into contact with the cyclone chamber 24. The cyclone chamber 24 decelerates dust by friction. Dust is dropped into the first dust collection chamber 28 through the slot 40, and this slot functions as a dust outlet of the first separation stage 20. The remaining air, along with the relatively fine dust still entrapped in the air, is sucked out of the cyclone chamber 24 through the air outlet 46 (and through the screen) and into the plenum chamber 54. The airflow is then divided into a plurality of sidestreams, each of which enters one of the cyclone chambers 26 of the second separation stage 22 through its associated inlet 52. Fine dust in each of the sidestreams is thrown out and falls down through the opening top 50 out of the cyclone chamber 26 into the intermediate chamber, and immediately the tilted plate 58 collects the dust into the second dust collection chamber 30. Direction to. Sidestreams are drawn from the cyclone chamber 26 via these associated vortex finder 56s, and soon these sidestreams are recombined into a single flow and exit the dust separator 8 through outlet 18.

The lid 32 is shown in the closed position in FIGS. 1-5. At this position, the lid closes the discharge openings 62, 64 in the first and second dust collectors 28, 30, respectively. In order to empty the collected dust from the separator 8, the lid 32 is moved to the open position, thereby unblocking the discharge openings 62 and 64, and the dust is released from the dust collection chambers 28 and 30 through the discharge openings. Allows you to leave.

In this embodiment, the discharge process is assisted by first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30, which are movable relative to each other between the first and second positions. More specifically, in this embodiment, the entire second separation stage 22 is movable with respect to the first dust collection chamber 28 (first dust collection chamber 28, cyclone chamber 24, inlet 36, wiping member 44). The first assembly 66 (with and the axial wall 38) is movable with respect to the second assembly 68 (with the second separation stage 22 and the outlet 46 of the first separation stage). 1 to 5 show the first and second assemblies 66, 68 (and thus the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30) in the first position, at which the separator is It is configured for normal use.

6 to 8 show the dust separator 8 in which the lid 32 is in the open position and the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30 (and their associated assemblies 66, 68) are in the second position. Is shown. In this configuration, the dust separator 8 is configured to empty the dust collection chambers 28, 30. With the lid 32 in the open position, the discharge openings 62 and 64 are released from the blockage, and the dust contained in the dust collection chambers 28 and 30 can fall into the trash can.

The movement of the dust collection chambers 28, 30 from the first position to the second position performs a "shroud wiping" operation. The first assembly 66 with the screen (not shown) is movable relative to the second assembly 68 with the wiping member 44 and the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30 (ie, first and second). By moving the second assembly) with respect to each other, the wiping member 44 and the screen are moved with respect to each other. More specifically, when the dust collecting chambers 28 and 30 are moved from the first position to the second position, the wiping member 44 moves on the screen, thereby scraping the dust adhering to the screen from the screen. .. The dust scraped off the screen can then fall out of the cyclone chamber, into the first dust collection chamber 28, and out through the discharge opening 62. The movement of the wiping member 44 on the screen is most clearly shown by comparing FIGS. 4 and 5 with FIG. 7.

Then, in FIGS. 6 to 8, when the lid 32 is opened and the first and second dust collecting chambers 28 and 30 are moved to the second positions, the axial end wall 38 is the cyclone chamber 24 of the first dust collecting chamber. It shows that it rotates downward with respect to. As a result, the dust scraped off the screen by the wiping member 44 (immediately, the dust can reattach to the screen the next time the vacuum cleaner 2 is used) will ride on the top of the axial end wall 38. Make sure it falls into the first dust collection chamber 28 instead of. When the lid 32 is closed and the dust collecting chambers 28 and 30 return to the first positions, the axial end walls 38 return to the positions shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. The mechanism for rotating the axial end wall 38 is not important to the present invention, but will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 9 for integrity.

The axially lower portion of the cyclone chamber 24 is defined by a housing 70 having slots 40, and the lower axial wall 38 is rotatably attached to the housing by an elastic diaphragm hinge 72. A seesaw 74 is rotatably provided on the opposite side of the housing 70 with respect to the slot 40, and one end 76 of the seesaw is attached to the end wall 38 by a tension spring 78. The end 80 is located in the path of the reciprocating movable piston 82.

FIG. 9 shows a seesaw 74 in a position taken by the seesaw when the first and second assemblies 66, 68 are in the first position. At this position, the piston 82 is pushed down by a protrusion (not shown) of the second assembly 68. The piston 82 pushes down on the associated end 80 of the seesaw 74, which end pushes up on the other end 76 of the seesaw. This tensions the spring 78, which in turn pulls up the end wall 38, whereby the end wall remains in contact with the housing.

When the first and second assemblies are in the second position, the piston 82 is no longer pushed down by the protrusions (not shown) of the second assembly 68. Therefore, the seesaw 74 is rotatable with respect to the housing 70. Therefore, the end wall 38 rotates downward from the position shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 under the weight of the end wall, pulls the spring 78, and pulls down the associated end portion 76 of the seesaw 74.

The position of the lid and the relative position of the dust collection chamber are controlled by the latch mechanism 84. The latch mechanism 84 can be selectively released and has a fixed configuration and an release configuration. Almost all of the latch mechanism 84 is covered by a shield 85, which in this case forms part of the outer circumference of the dust separation chamber and protects the latch mechanism 84 from knocking. The latch mechanism is shown more clearly in FIGS. 10 and 11, in which the shield 85 is removed. These figures show the latch mechanism 84 in a fixed configuration.

According to the present invention, when the latch mechanism is in the fixed configuration, the latch mechanism 84 fixes the dust collection chambers 28 and 30 in the first position, fixes the lid 32 in the closed position, and the latch mechanism 84 is in the open configuration. The dust collection chambers 28 and 30 can be moved toward the second position, and the lid 32 can be moved toward the open position.

In this case, the latch mechanism 84 selectively engages with the lid 32. More specifically, when the latch mechanism 84 was in a fixed position, the latch mechanism fastened the lid 32 to the second dust collection chamber 30 (and to the first dust collection chamber 28) and closed the lid. Leave in the state. Since the lid 32 is attached to the first dust collection chamber 28, by holding the lid against the second dust collection chamber 30, the latch mechanism 84 also makes the first dust collection chamber 28 second. Hold against the dust collection chamber 30 (ie, hold these dust collection chambers in the first position). When the latch mechanism 84 is in the open position, the latch mechanism no longer holds the lid 32 to the second dust collection chamber 30. Therefore, the lid 32 is movable to the open position, and similarly, the first dust collection chamber 28 is movable with respect to the second dust collection chamber 30, whereby the dust collection chamber is second. Move towards the position.

In this embodiment, the latch mechanism 84 includes a rotatable latch member 86 and a reciprocally movable operating rod 88, and the operating rod is configured to rotate the latch member 86. Thereby, the latch mechanism is released (that is, the latch mechanism is moved to the release configuration). The latch member 86 has a latch surface 90 provided on the first arm 92 and a receiving surface 94 provided on the second arm 96. The latch surface 90 is hooked on the overhanging portion 98 provided on the lid 32 when the latch mechanism 84 is in the fixed position, whereby the lid is fastened to the second dust collection chamber 30 and the latch mechanism is engaged. When in the open position, it moves out of alignment with the overhang, which allows the lid to move. The receiving surface 94 is positioned to receive an input that rotates the latch member 86 and thereby releases the latch mechanism 84. In this case, the input is applied to the latch member 86 by the operating rod 88.

The actuating rod 88 defines a longitudinal axis 100 and is movable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the side wall of the second dust collection chamber 30, and the actuating rod is provided on this side wall ( Will be described later). In this case, the actuating rod is a push rod and is configured to transmit axial compression when the upper end of the actuating rod 88 is pushed downwards, the rod body moves downwards and the rod body The lower end pushes the receiving surface 94 of the latch member. This pushes the second arm 96 downward, thereby rotating the latch member 86 (clockwise from the perspective views of FIGS. 10 and 11). The rotating latch member 86 moves the first arm 92 away from the overhanging portion 98 of the lid 32, i.e., substantially to the left of the perspective views of FIGS. 10 and 11), thereby latching. The surface 90 is unhooked from the overhanging portion to release the lid. After that, the lid 32 may move toward the open position, and the dust collection chambers 28, 30 may move toward the first position.

In this case, the dust separator 8 has an urging member (not shown) that deviates the dust collecting chambers 28 and 30 from the first position and toward the second position. Therefore, as soon as the latch surface 90 is unhooked from the overhanging portion 98, the first collection chamber 28 begins to move relative to the second dust collection chamber 30. However, in other embodiments, the user may manually move the dust collection chambers 28, 30 towards the second position after releasing the latch mechanism 84.

In the present embodiment, a part of the latch mechanism 84 is provided on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber 30, more specifically, on the outer surface of the side wall. In this embodiment, both the latch member 86 and the actuating rod 88 (ie, in this case, both moving members that collectively form almost all of the latch mechanism) are provided as well. Both the latch member 86 and the operating rod 88 are provided on the same outer surface of the side wall 104a of the second dust collection chamber 30. The latch member 86 is rotatably provided on the mandrel, which projects from the outer surface and defines a rotation shaft 106 for the latch member, which is abutted and held by the circlip 108 on the outer surface. ing. In this case, the rotation shaft 106 is substantially orthogonal to the outer surface of the side wall 104a. A set of retaining tabs 110 projecting from the outer surface is located on the working rod 88 so that the working rod slides along the longitudinal axis 100 of the working rod while holding the working rod in contact with the outer surface. Make it possible.

The urging member (not shown) that deflects the dust collecting chambers 28 and 30 toward the second position transmits a relatively high force from the overhanging portion 98 of the lid 32 to the latch surface 90 of the latch member 86. Means. As a result, the relatively high frictional force opposes the movement of the latch surface 90 to disengage from the overhanging portion 98. In this embodiment, this effect is countered by a latch member that provides a mechanical advantage and the distance between the receiving surface 94 and the rotating shaft 106 is between the latching surface 90 and the rotating shaft 106. Greater than the distance. Due to the lever action provided by the latch member 86, the actuating rod with respect to the predetermined force required to overcome the friction between the overhang 98 and the latch surface 90 and thereby move the first arm 92. With 88, a smaller force can be applied to the receiving surface 94. In this case, the distance between the receiving surface 94 and the rotating shaft 106 is about 1.5 times larger than the distance between the latch surface 90 and the rotating shaft 106, and therefore the latch member 86 is rotated. The force that must be applied to the receiving surface 94 for this is about two-thirds of the force required to overcome the friction between the latch surface 90 and the overhanging portion 98.

The latch mechanism 84 is connected to the operating member 12 of the releasing mechanism 10, whereby the latch mechanism 84 can be released by operating the operating member. The coordinating member 114 (mostly hidden below the surface of the dust separator 8) extends between the operating member 12 and the operating rod 88 and reciprocates along the longitudinal axis 100 of the operating rod. It is possible. The cooperation member 114 is configured so that when the user operates the operation member 12 by pressing the operation member, the operation member pushes the cooperation member 114 downward. The lower end 116 of the coordinating member 114 in turn pushes the actuating rod 88 downward, thereby rotating the latch member 86 as described above, thereby releasing the latch mechanism 84.

In this embodiment, the mounting mechanism 10 and the latch mechanism 84 release the mounting mechanism by operating the operating member 12 when the dust separator 8 is mounted on the vacuum cleaner 2, and the dust separator is released. Is configured to release the latch mechanism by manipulating the operating member while separating the from the vacuum cleaner. This is achieved by the lower end 116 of the coordinating member that is movable inward and thereby moves out of alignment with the actuating rod 88. When the dust separator 8 is separated from the vacuum cleaner 2, the lower end 116 of the linking member 114 is aligned with the actuating rod 88, and by pressing the actuating member 12, the latch is as described above. Release the mechanism 84. When the dust separator 8 is attached to the vacuum cleaner 2, the protrusion (not shown) of the rolling assembly 4 pushes the lower end 116 inward and so as to be out of the aligned state with the operating rod 88. At this position, pressing the operating member 12 still moves the coordinating member 114, but the coordinating member does not move the operating rod 88, and thus the latch mechanism 84 remains in the fixed configuration.

In this embodiment, the guidance function is provided on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber. In this case, each of the two guide functions is provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the second dust collection chamber. This is clearly shown in FIGS. 12-14. In this case, the first guide function 118 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 104b, and the second guide function 120 is provided on the outer surface of different side walls 104d. The guidance functions 118 and 120 are configured to guide the movement of the dust collection chambers 28 and 30 between the first and second positions. These guidance functions provide lateral and rotational support, allowing the dust collection chambers 28, 30 to move between these positions with increased stability. This not only reduces friction, but also makes the dust separator 8 more robust, which can result in higher quality in the hands of the user.

It is understood that the proximity of the guidance functions 118, 120 together makes the guidance support provided thereby more localized. Therefore, when the guiding functions are located farther apart from each other, the guiding action of the guiding functions 118, 120 can provide high stability. Guidance functions 118, 120 provided on the different side walls 104b, 104d may assist in achieving this. Further, in this embodiment, the guide functions 118, 120 are located on both side surfaces of the second dust collection chamber 30 (and in this case, the longitudinal axis 34 of the cyclone chamber 24 of the first separation stage 20). They are located almost opposite to each other in the circumferential direction). This further increases the spacing between the guidance functions 118, 120 and thus the stability of the guidance support provided thereby.

Each of the guidance functions 118 and 120 comes into contact with the first dust collection chamber 28. More specifically, the guidance functions 118 and 120, respectively, engage with complementary functions formed in the first dust collection chamber 28. The first guide function 118 is in the form of a runner, which engages with a first complementary function 122 in the form of a track defined between the two ridges 122a, 122b. The second guide function 120 is in the form of a rail, which engages a second complementary function 124 in the form of a track similarly defined between the two ridges 124a, 124b. .. This is most clearly shown in FIG. Guidance functions 118, 120 and complementary functions 122, 124 work together to guide the movement of the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30 between the first and second positions.

Similarly, FIG. 14 more clearly shows the relative positions of the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30. The first dust collection chamber 28 defines a storage volume 126 for accommodating the dust separated by the first separation stage 20, and the second dust collection chamber 30 is located outside the storage volume. Therefore, the latch member 86 of the latch mechanism 84 and the constituent members such as the operating rod 88 and the guide functions 118 and 120 are not exposed to the dust housed in the storage volume 126. However, the second dust collection chamber 30 is partially surrounded by the first dust collection chamber 28, i.e., the first dust collection chamber 28 has a pair of auxiliary walls 128, 130 and a second. The dust collection chamber 30 is received between these auxiliary walls 128 and 130. However, the second dust collection chamber 30 is not completely surrounded by the first dust collection chamber 28. The side wall 104a provided with the latch member 86 and the actuating rod 88 remains exposed.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first and second assemblies 66, 68 (and thus the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30) can be separated from each other. This is done by moving the first and second assemblies 66, 68 from the first position across the second position (ie, moving these assemblies from the first position to the second position, and then these sets. It is achieved (by continuing to move the solid in the same direction).

The dust separator 8 according to this embodiment includes a pair of stop surfaces 132, 134, which are the first and second assemblies 66, 68 (and thus the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30). ) Is in the second position, which prevents these assemblies from moving from the first position across the second position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stop surfaces 132, 134 may stop the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30 from abruptly separating from each other. Therefore, the stop surface 132 is provided on the side wall of the dust collection chamber (more specifically, the outer surface of the side wall 104b). The other stop surface 134 is provided at the corresponding end of the associated track 122. The stop surfaces 132 and 134 are spaced apart from each other with the first and second dust collection chambers 28 and 30 in the first position. As the dust collection chambers 28 and 30 move toward the second position, the stop surfaces 132 and 134 come closer to each other and the stop surfaces come into contact with each other when the dust collection chamber is in the second position to prevent further movement. To do.

When the stop surfaces 132 and 134 come into contact with each other, the movement of the dust collection chambers 28 and 30 suddenly stops. This performs two different functions. First, the dust collecting chambers 28 and 30 are impacted, and the impact can help shake off the dust adhering to the dust collecting chambers. Secondly, it is urged to open the lid 32. The lid 32 has sealing means (not shown) that engages the dust collecting chambers 28, 30, and sometimes the sealing means sticks to one of the dust collecting chambers and resists opening the lid. The first dust collection chamber 28 is stopped (assuming the user is holding the handle 14 that the first dust collection chamber 28 is moving relative to the stationary second dust collection chamber 30). Meaning), and the inertia accumulated during the movement of the first dust collection chamber 28 of the lid 32 keeps the lid 32 moving. As a result, the sealing member can be separated from the dust collecting chambers 28 and 30, and the lid 32 can be opened.

The stop surfaces 132, 134 are beneficial to prevent the dust collection chambers 28, 30 from moving beyond the second position, but as mentioned above, similarly preferred is that the dust collection chamber is the second. It is movable across positions, thereby separating these dust collection chambers. To provide both functionality, one stop surface 134 is provided on a rotatable catch member 138. The user can push the catch member 138, thereby selectively raising the stop surface 134 out of alignment with the stop surface 132, whereby the stop surface is the dust collection chambers 28, 30. No longer abut when in two positions. Therefore, the dust collection chambers 28, 30 can be moved beyond the second position and separated from each other.

FIG. 15 shows the second assembly 68 separately. From this perspective view, the protrusion 140 is visible, as described above, pushing the piston 82 to rotate the seesaw 74, thereby rotating the axial end wall 38 downward. .. This perspective view also shows a mechanism by which the urging member (not shown) deviates the first and second dust collection chambers 28, 30 toward the second position. The urging member (not shown) takes the form of a compression spring and is housed in the hollow cylinder 142. The piston 144 is provided so as to be reciprocating in the cylinder, protrudes from the cylinder, and is displaced downward by a spring. When the first and second assemblies 66, 68 are in the first position, the upper wall 42 of the inlet 36 of the first separation stage 20 pushes the piston 144 upward into the cylinder 142 to compress the spring (not shown). .. The restoring force of the spring pushes the piston 144, and thus the first assembly 66, downward with respect to the second assembly 68. Therefore, the spring functions to deviate the assemblies 66, 68 toward the second position.

It is understood that various modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in this particular embodiment, the first separation stage is the initial separation stage (ie, the most upstream separation stage in the dust separator). However, in other embodiments, the first separation stage may be downstream of the initial separation stage. Similarly, in a unique embodiment, the second separation stage is a separation stage immediately downstream of the first separation stage. However, in other embodiments, the additional separation stage may be located downstream of the first separation stage but upstream of the second separation stage.

It should be noted that although the first guide function was described above as a runner, the first guide function can also be considered as a (relatively short) rail. Similarly, both complementary functions have been described as tracks, but each complementary function can also be considered as a pair of rails (ridges, each forming one of the rails).

2 Vacuum cleaner, 8 Dust separator, 10 Release mechanism, Mounting mechanism, 12 Operating members, 20 1st separation stage, 22 2nd separation stage, 28 1st dust collection chamber, 1st collection chamber, 1st dust collector , 30 2nd dust collection chamber, 2nd dust collector, 32 lid, 44 wiping member, 46 air outlet, 62,64 discharge opening, 78 spring (urging member), 84 latch mechanism, 86 latch member, 88 working rod, 90 latching surface, 94 receiving surface, 104a, 104b, 104d side wall, 126 storage volume

Claims (13)

A dust separator for vacuum cleaners,
A first separation stage, which is a first separation stage and has a first dust collection chamber for storing dust removed by the first separation stage.
A second separation stage located downstream of the first separation stage and having a second dust collection chamber for storing dust removed by the second separation stage.
A lid that is movable between closed and open positions and that closes and unblocks the discharge openings provided at the lower ends of the first and second dust collection chambers, respectively.
With a latch mechanism that can be moved between fixed and released configurations,
With
The first and second dust collection chambers are movable relative to each other between the first and second positions.
The latch mechanism is configured to fix the first and second dust collection chambers in the first position and the lid in the closed position when the latch mechanism is in the fixed configuration. Lid,
The latch mechanism enables the first and second dust collection chambers to be moved toward the second position when the latch mechanism is in the open configuration, and the lid body is directed toward the open position. It is configured to allow you to move
The first separation stage comprises an air outlet with a breathable screen.
The dust separator further comprises a wiping member for cleaning the screen.
The screen is movable with respect to the second dust collection chamber together with the first dust collection chamber, and the wiping member is movable with respect to the first dust collection chamber together with the second dust collection chamber. There, thus, by moving the first and second dust collection chambers relative to each other, the dust separator, characterized in Rukoto moving the wipe member on said screen. The dust separator according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the latch mechanism is provided on the side wall of the second dust collection chamber. The dust separator according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the latch mechanism is provided on an outer surface of the side wall. The dust according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an urging member configured to deviate the first and second dust collection chambers toward the second position. Separator. The dust separation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the entire second separation stage is movable with respect to the first dust collection chamber between the first and second positions. vessel. The first dust collection chamber defines a storage volume for accommodating the dust separated by the first separation stage.
The dust separator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second dust collection chamber is located outside the storage volume. The dust separator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the latch mechanism includes a latch member that can rotate around a rotation axis and thereby releases the latch mechanism. The dust separator according to claim 7 , wherein the latch member is rotatably provided on an outer surface of a side wall of the second dust collection chamber. The latch member has a latch surface and a receiving surface that receives an input for rotating the latch member and thereby releasing the latch mechanism.
The dust separator according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the distance between the receiving surface and the rotating shaft is larger than the distance between the latch surface and the rotating shaft. The latch mechanism comprises an actuating rod defining a longitudinal axis.
The actuating rod can reciprocate with respect to the side wall of the second dust collection chamber along the longitudinal axis of the actuating rod so as to rotate the latch member and thereby release the latch mechanism. The dust separator according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the dust separator is configured. The dust separator according to claim 10 , wherein the operating rod is provided on the outer surface of the side wall so as to be reciprocally movable. It has a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting the dust separator on a vacuum cleaner.
The mounting mechanism has an operating member configured to be operated by the user and thereby release the mounting mechanism.
The dust separator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the latch mechanism is connected to the operating member so as to release the latch mechanism by operating the operating member. A vacuum cleaner comprising the dust separator according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .

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